ABC reached a settlement on Wednesday with a South Dakota meat producer that accused the network of defamation following its news reports about so-called pink slime in 2012.

The agreement ends what was expected to be an eight-week jury trial, which began on June 5. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.

Beef Products Inc. said a report by Jim Avila, an ABC News correspondent, misled consumers about the safety of low-cost processed beef trimmings, which are officially known as “lean finely textured beef” but are more commonly known as “pink slime” because of the appearance. The company had sought $1.9 billion in damages, but the figure could have grown to as much as $5.7 billion under a South Dakota law.

ABC News was among several organizations, including The New York Times, to report on questions about the safety of the product, which was commonly sold in grocery stores and used in schools and fast food restaurants. A public backlash led to a plummet in sales, and the company closed three of its plants and laid off about 700 workers.

ABC News has not retracted or apologized for its report, which remains available on its website. Julie Townsend, an ABC spokeswoman, said in a statement that the sides had reached “an amicable resolution.”

“Throughout this case, we have maintained that our reports accurately presented the facts and views of knowledgeable people about this product,” the statement read. “Although we have concluded that continued litigation of this case is not in the company’s interests, we remain committed to the vigorous pursuit of truth and the consumer’s right to know about the products they purchase.”

Beef Products said in a statement that it was “extraordinarily pleased” to reach the settlement, which would give it “a strong foundation on which to grow the business.”

“While this has not been an easy road to travel, it was necessary to begin rectifying the harm we suffered as a result of what we believed to be biased and baseless reporting in 2012,” the statement said. “Through this process, we have again established what we all know to be true about lean finely textured beef: it is beef, and is safe, wholesome, and nutritious.

A version of this article appears in print on , on Page B4 of the New York edition with the headline: ABC in Settlement in ‘Pink Slime’ Suit. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe